It is my pleasure to join you in celebrating Ireland’s National Day and reaffirm the enduring friendship between our two countries.
St Patrick’s Day is proudly celebrated by Irish people around the world, inviting local communities to join in the festivities, and bringing a sense of belonging to the places they now call home. It is a celebration of unity, and a reminder of the strength and beauty of cultural diversity and integration.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 36 years ago, Malta and Ireland have enjoyed excellent bilateral ties. Ours is a relationship based on trust, historical parallels, and common values, consolidated by several high-level visits between the two sides.
This bond is made even stronger by the natural affinity that exists between our peoples, as can clearly be seen in the substantial Maltese diaspora living in Ireland, and vice-versa.
Additionally, Malta and Ireland are popular travel destinations for our citizens, and regular flights between our two countries help retain this exchange. Maintaining this level of connectivity is key in ensuring that this steady flow of tourists can continue in the years to come. In doing so, we would be ensuring that our peoples can continue to appreciate the beauty and cultural richness that our countries have to offer, thereby enhancing people–to–people contacts.
Trade between our countries also continues to thrive in many areas, both in terms of goods and services. These consistent results pave the way for even more engagement, and we are keen to work closely to explore new avenues of cooperation, address potential barriers to trade, and ensure that businesses can strengthen their presence further.
Ladies and gentlemen
Over the years, Malta and Ireland have earned their reputation as committed multilateralists. Our shared membership of the European Union, our neutrality, and our common foreign policy objectives on a wide array of issues make Malta and Ireland natural allies on the world stage.
During our back-to-back terms as elected members of the Security Council, we have relentlessly advocated for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for international humanitarian law. We both prioritised the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, firm in our belief that women have a critical role in preventing conflict, resolving disputes, and building peace.
We are also committed to peacekeeping efforts. Our cooperation in the UN Mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, where AFM officers are serving through the Irish battalion, is a testament to this. Malta is grateful to Ireland for enabling such collaborative efforts, as we are for the past training of various AFM personnel by the Irish Forces under different programmes.
Regrettably, the current global situation demands our full attention, as conflict, regional tensions, humanitarian catastrophes, and the systematic violation of human rights continue to dominate the headlines.
Last month, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine entered its fifth year; and peace remains elusive.
In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Reconstruction of the Strip will take years, the disarmament of violent groups remains unaddressed, and the wounds of war may never heal.
In the West Bank, illegal settlements and systematic violence continue to serve as an obstacle to peace and a serious risk to the foundations of a Palestinian State.
Further east, years of distrust and inflammatory rhetoric have culminated in another conflict in Iran, with grave consequences for the security of other countries in the region and beyond.
Malta stands in solidarity with all those countries who have suffered unjustifiable attacks. At this time of great uncertainty, it is paramount that all efforts are aimed at ensuring that the region does not descend into a spiral of chaos, violence, and instability, and that civilians are not put in harm’s way.
Furthermore, Iran’s nuclear programme has again highlighted the urgent need for sustained endeavours towards a Middle East zone, free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, as mandated by Article VII of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
As the conflict persists, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz must be monitored closely, cognisant of the fact that any closure of the Strait would have a dramatic impact on the global economy, particularly the shipping and energy sectors.
As we continue to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, we cannot afford to put existing and emerging cross-border threats on the backburner, either. Issues such as climate change, sea-level rise, cyber security, and AI can only be curbed if we give them the attention they deserve and act in a coordinated manner.
Our joint commitment towards the United Nations Charter and international law is more relevant than ever. Malta and Ireland have the duty to advocate for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and serve as positive examples to the rest of the international community.
Over the years, our countries have demonstrated the tangible impact that small countries can make beyond their national borders. This is what we must continue doing in the years to come.
A world in which might is right – an idea that is increasingly taking hold – would be detrimental to us all.
In a few days, as the celebrations of St Patrick’s Day enter full swing, streets and squares in cities all around the world will be painted green, the colour that is traditionally associated with hope and peace. May this colour, and this feast, inspire us and strengthen our resolve to continue working for a better, fairer, and more equitable world.
Ladies and gentlemen
I once again extend my thanks to Ambassador Whelan for hosting us this evening. Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening the bonds between our countries. We are keen and determined to continue building on these achievements.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued well-being of Her Excellency Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and our peoples.
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